Coloring pages provide preschoolers with the opportunity to hone fine motor and creative skills, while still remaining a simple option for parents and educators. If you are looking to save money on fancy coloring books, download free fire truck worksheet pages from websites such as Apples 4 the Teacher or Preschool Coloring Book. Give your preschooler a box of crayons or a set of markers that include engine red and wheel black, or invite the child to create her own colorful combination on the fire truck design.
Enhance a unit on fire safety, community helpers or vehicles with an imaginative dramatic play experience. For example, create a mock fire truck with your preschooler by decorating a large sized cardboard box. Reuse a rectangular moving or electronics box as the body of the truck. Paint the exterior red with tempera and add four wheels made from black painted paper plates. Design faux windows, a ladder and head lights with cut and glued construction paper to complete the look. Spark your little one's imagination with a pretend play scenario and encourage him to get in the box to "drive" it. Provide a play fireman's helmet, fire fighter coat, rubber boots or a stuffed animal dalmatian for even more authenticity.
Take the opportunity to use toy fire trucks, images of engines and even books as part of a fire safety activity. Understanding the dangers of fire, what to do in case of a fire and who helps to stop a fire, such as the fireman, are crucial pieces of the young child's health and safety education. Start with a book on safety or engines, such as "Flashing Fire Engines" by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker, or "Stop Drop and Roll" by Margery Cuyler. Point out pictures or illustrations of fire trucks to the child and ask her what these vehicles do and why we need them. Solidify the lesson by giving the preschooler a few toy trucks to act out safety scenarios.
Who is better to help young children learn about fire trucks and safety than a professional? Contact your local fire department and ask if they have any programs that are specifically designed for preschoolers. Some departments may be able to bring the actual fire truck to your school or community event free of charge for the kids to see and climb into. If you are looking for a smaller type of activity, the ultimate in fire safety, the U.S. Fire Administration, provides a bevy of information and activities for parents and teachers on its USFA for Kids site. Download lesson plans on safety topics or learn about their Sesame Street Fire Safety Station Program for schools.